Giffard Park Primary School

Science

Curriculum Intent

At Giffard Park Primary School, Science has a vital role in developing well-rounded pupils. Science stimulates and excites pupils’ curiosity about natural phenomena while allowing them to understand how scientific ideas contribute to technological change. We aim to give all pupils a strong understanding of the impact of science in their everyday and future lives by asking them to think scientifically and gaining an understanding of the scientific processes and the implications in the real world through an engaging curriculum. We recognise the importance of Science in every aspect of daily life. We give the teaching and learning of Science the prominence it requires as one of the core subjects taught in Primary Schools.

As an area of learning, Science is concerned with increasing all (including SEND) pupils’ knowledge and understanding of our world, and with developing skills associated with Science as a process of enquiry. It will develop the natural curiosity of the child, encourage respect for living organisms and the physical environment and provide opportunities for critical evaluation of evidence.

 We ensure that the Working Scientifically skills are developed and extended throughout children’s time at the school so that they can apply their knowledge of science when using equipment, asking questions, conducting experiments, making observations, drawing conclusions, building arguments and confidently explaining scientific concepts. Children learn to gather data and present their findings using their own knowledge and a range of sources to support their ideas developing their own and others understanding.

The National Curriculum Programme of Study for Science describes a sequence of knowledge and concepts, processes and methods. This sequence of knowledge and concepts is arranged as progressive blocks of key ideas in biology, chemistry and physics, alongside a progression in the skills of working scientifically.

The conceptual ideas in Biology, Chemistry and Physics build on each other and children need to develop a strong understanding of each set of ideas in order for the next set to make sense and for them to make progress. The Programme of Study is set out year by year for Key stages 1 and 2 but each science topic is not covered in every year. It is therefore important that teachers and children know where each block of ideas fits into the overall sequence.

 At Giffard Park we use White Rose Science as a programme that covers all areas of the National Curriculum. The progression maps shows how the curriculum is planned in each area through each year group across the school as well as mapping out key vocabulary and skills whilst working scientifically. White Rose Science scheme to provide a structured and coherent programme of learning that builds progressively through each year.

In addition to this we provide opportunities to explore science in the everyday world making links in other areas of learning. There are also extra curricular activities through visits, trips and visitors to school. These include Eco schools, Forest Schools, Junior Park Rangers, Stem club, Science week, STEM week and links with the science museum.

Implementation

Each child has weekly science lessons, the lessons include ‘flash back 4’s’ to recap on previous learning, knowledge, skills and vocabulary. New vocabulary is always shared. Each lesson aims to develop both knowledge and key scientific enquiry skills. This is through the use of practical ‘hand on’ activities, use of ‘real’ resources and some abstract resources. Children are taught to record their findings in a variety of ways and develop their own investigational skills.

Impact

The most important assessments teachers make are during science lessons, as teachers observe, question children and check children’s work. The use of ‘Flash back 4’s’ help teachers quickly identify key concepts that haven’t been understood and this is used to inform discussion points and future planning. This helps teachers decide how to support and challenge children as they learn and make progress.

Children are also assessed using White Rose Science assessments. This helps teachers understand how much progress towards each step of the key learning of the National Curriculum each child has made and helps the school as a whole understand how successful its science curriculum is.

Evidence of impactful learning is visible in students' work, photos, and displays, showcasing the transformative role of science in our lives. Continuous support for teachers ensures effective practices, with assessments contributing to ongoing improvement, providing equal opportunities for all students, including those with additional needs. The successful teaching approach results in a fun, engaging, high-quality science education, preparing children for the world beyond.